On Tuesday June 20, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn warned Turkey that refusal to open its air and shipping ports to vessels flying the Republic of Cyprus flag could lead to a “major” geopolitical “accident” (theparliament.com, June 20).

“If we want to avoid a major problem in the autumn, Turkey needs to stick to its word without hesitation,” said Rehn. He cited Turkey’s failure to allow direct trade with Greek Cyprus as a major reason why Turkey’s EU ascension process has been so difficult, even over seemingly nit-picky matters such as science and research.

Last July, as part of Turkey’s membership bid with the European Union, Turkey signed an agreement extending customs unions with the EU’s newest members, which included the southern Greek half of Cyprus. However, because Turkey regards the European Union’s crippling embargo of the northern, Turkish-controlled half of Cyprus as unfair, in retaliation the Turks have refused to allow Greek Cypriot ships and planes to use its ports.

This recent row between Turkey and the EU is only one of many that will eventually end Turkey’s EU membership pursuit. This spat is just another example of how the EU is trying to wring every concession possible from Turkey. Eventually, the Turks will realize that because of their “cultural differences from mainstream Europe,” namely their Islamic heritage, they will never be accepted as a member of the European Union.

Unfortunately for Turkey, that realization will probably only come after they have handed full control of Cyprus over to the EU.